SHOW REVIEW: Inhaler – New York City, NY – 10/18/2024

Irish rock sensation Inhaler lit up The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on Friday, October 18th, crafting a sold out show that felt equal parts intimate and electric. The band’s first NYC performance since St. Patrick’s Day 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, set against the breathtaking backdrop of clear skies and an almost-full supermoon, a scene so mesmerizing, it was projected onto the venue’s big screens, amplifying the magic.

Frontman Elijah Hewson took a moment to reflect on the band’s recent connection with the city, sharing how their time spent soaking up the rich musical history of NYC inspired songs for their upcoming album. The crowd, a mix of devoted fans and curious newcomers, was abuzz with excitement, knowing they were in for something truly special. This show marked a stop on a brief U.S. tour that kicked off in Tennessee and wrapped in Canada, offering a teaser for their highly anticipated 2025 world tour, which promises appearances at massive festivals like Lollapalooza and The Neighborhood Weekender.

The night ignited with the explosive opener, “These Are The Days,” as the band burst onto the stage to deafening cheers. From the very first note, Hewson’s raw, soul-stirring vocals took center stage, complemented by Josh Jenkinson’s electrifying guitar work that consistently dazzled throughout the set. The energy only ramped up as they launched into fan-favorites like “Love Will Get You There,” “When It Breaks,” and the utterly captivating “The Things I Do.” An extended outro on “Totally” left the crowd in awe, a powerful showcase of the band’s dynamic artistry.

Inhaler gave fans a sneak peek into their highly anticipated album, Open Wide (due February 7, 2025), with bright orange screens flashing QR codes linked to the album announcement.

The band performed a brand-new track, “Your House,” blending poignant lyrics with a euphoric soundscape. The song, already paired with a must-watch music video, hints at an album full of bold, emotive storytelling.

The energy soared higher as the band tore through hits like “Who’s Your Money On,” “Valentine,” and the bittersweet anthem “My King Will Be Kind,” which had the crowd singing along. But it was “Dublin in Ecstasy” that sent the audience into overdrive, with its seismic guitar riffs sparking an explosion of jumping, dancing, and headbanging.

Adding to the thrill, Inhaler treated fans to another unreleased song, “Open Wide,” the title track of their forthcoming album. Both new tracks left a great impression, cementing the sense that 2025 will be a monumental year for the band.

As the show reached its climax, Inhaler delivered a trio of crowd-pleasers, “If You’re Gonna Break My Heart,” “Cheer Up Baby,” and “It Won’t Always Be Like This.” But the night wasn’t over yet. After a brief pause, the band returned for a stunning encore, closing with “Just To Keep You Satisfied” and the iconic “My Honest Face.” The audience was left breathless, buzzing with the thrill of a night to remember.

This show wasn’t just another performance, it was a celebration of music, connection, and a band on the brink of their biggest year yet. Inhaler’s seamless blend of nostalgic rock and forward-thinking energy was a perfect match for Pier 17’s open-air magic. We’ll be counting down the days until their new record drops, and hoping the next time they return to NYC, the stars (or perhaps another supermoon) align just as perfectly.